ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The decision to lift the ban will be made in May or June, with further assessments needed.
The long-anticipated resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to the United Kingdom has been postponed following several air safety incidents, sources have confirmed. Despite ongoing discussions, the decision to lift the ban remains unresolved, with the British aviation safety team requiring more time to complete their assessments.
Key Safety Incidents Affecting the Decision
Two significant aviation mishaps have played a major role in delaying the resumption of PIA flights. According to insiders, these incidents were pivotal in the ongoing evaluation of Pakistan’s aviation safety standards.
1. Wrong Runway Landing: In February, a British aviation safety team visiting Pakistan witnessed a PIA aircraft landing on the wrong runway. This raised concerns regarding operational procedures and safety protocols.
2. Landing Without a Tyre: Just days before the March 20 Air Safety Committee meeting, another alarming incident occurred when a PIA flight landed without a tyre, further complicating the decision-making process.
Both events have delayed the safety assessment, which is crucial for determining whether PIA and other Pakistani carriers can resume flights to the UK.
British Safety Team Needs More Time
The British aviation safety team that visited Pakistan in February was tasked with evaluating the country’s air safety standards to decide whether Pakistani airlines can resume operations to the UK. However, sources suggest that the team has requested additional time to thoroughly review safety protocols, improvements, and data analysis.
It is now expected that the report will be submitted in the coming weeks, with a final decision on the resumption of flights slated for the next meeting of the British Air Safety Committee, tentatively scheduled for May or June.
Background of the Ban
The UK suspended flights from Pakistani airlines in 2020 following concerns over safety, particularly after the fake pilot license scandal. Since then, Pakistan has undertaken substantial reforms aimed at improving aviation safety. However, operational lapses and recent incidents continue to affect the timeline for the restoration of flights.
Next Steps
With the British team’s extended evaluation period, a resolution is not expected until mid-2025. The outcome will largely depend on the results of the upcoming report and whether Pakistan’s aviation sector can meet the required safety standards.
Despite public expectations for an immediate lifting of the ban, sources have clarified that the March 20 meeting was not intended to address the issue. The final decision will now be made during the next scheduled meeting in late spring or early summer.
